Information and communications technology is transforming healthcare through collaboration technologies, e-health records and through manifestations of the Internet-of-Things (IoT).

On 16th January, the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) revealed five local technological innovations on health it is supporting. In addition to cost-effective technologies and methods for knee replacement, dengue diagnosis confirmation and dengue transmission control, the list included two products which leverage ICT for strengthening healthcare delivery.

One of them is a device called RxBox, which captures medical signals through built-in sensors. It stores the collected data in an electronic medical record (EMR), and transmits the health information via internet. Thereby, it  faciliates teleconsultations within the National Telehealth Service Program.

RxBox is being gradually rolled out across the country, with demonstrations held in different parts throughout 2016. 

Its components include a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter (for measuring level of oxygen in blood indicating lung and cardiovascular problems), an eletrocardiogram, a fetal heart monitor, a maternal tocometer and a temperature sensor.

The device, jointly developed by the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and Manila, reduces the need for travel and hospitalizations, as it enables remote diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients living in geographically isolated regions and disadvantaged communities across the country. Philippines is an archipelago of over 7500 islands. Such innovations can help in countering the geographical challenge of extending medical care to all parts of the country. 

The press release also talked about an Android application, called the eHealth TABLET for Informed Decision Making of LGUs (eHATID LGU). Developed by Ateneo De Manila University, it provides real time health information through reports and visualisations and enables direct communication between local chief executives and rural health units (RHUs). It utilises a cloud based system for centralised management of data.

With connectivity continuing to be a challenge, the application can work even without an internet connection. Supported by eHATID, local government units (LGUs) can create sound and evidence-based health policies and programs.

Source: http://www.opengovasia.com/articles/7327-philippine-council-for-health-research-and-development-talks-about-remote-diagnosis-monitoring-and-treatment

The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the national coordinating body for health research, has unveiled five technologies that are making a difference in local healthcare delivery.

The government agency has been supporting local programs on health and health research that provide and strengthen the local healthcare ecosystem.
 
1. Axis Knee System

Developed by Orthopaedic International Inc., the Axis Knee System is the first and only knee system designed in the ASEAN region which allows access to knee replacement as it is 40-50 percent cheaper than other brands. 

Its innovative instrumentation and surgical technique also allow more surgeons to perform knee surgery without the need to undergo one-year fellowship program.
 
2. RxBox

The RxBox is a device which captures medical signals through built-in sensors, stores data in an electronic medical record (EMR), and transmits health information via the internet. 

Jointly developed by the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and Manila, the device reduces unnecessary travels and hospitalizations as it enables diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients from geographically isolated and depressed areas of the country.

It is also an ICT (Information and Communications Technology) innovation designed to support the Department of Health’s call for Universal Health Care.
 
3. eHATID

Developed by Ateneo De Manila University, the eHealth TABLET for Informed Decision Making of LGUs (eHATID LGU) is an Android application that provides real-time health information and a facility for direct communication between local chief executives and rural health units (RHUs).
 
This device works even without internet connection and provides decision-making support to local government units (LGUs) in creating sound and evidence-based health policies and programs.

All the eHATID LGU data are synced to a central database via the government cloud facilities of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ASTI). Security protocols are also strictly implemented to comply with the policies and program requirements for data security, privacy and confidentiality purposes.
 
4. Biotek-M

Biotek-M, a confirmatory test for dengue diagnosis, is as accurate as the currently available Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology yet less costly as it is locally developed.
 
Developed by the UP Manila National Institutes of Health Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, the kit saves resources for both hospital and patients as it allows less admission for dengue suspected cases.

The project is funded by the University of the Philippines System thru the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-TECHNICOM.
 
5. OL Trap

The OL Trap is a simple but effective vector control method to lower the population of dengue Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, thus reducing dengue cases and controlling dengue transmission.
 
Developed by DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), OL Trap works by trapping the eggs and larvae of A. aegypti in their laying site with an active organic solution and killing them in the process before hatching and going to adult stage.

The DOST and the Department of Health (DOH) have collaborated for the nationwide rollout of the technology. 

Source: http://www.enterpriseinnovation.net/article/philippine-govt-supports-5-health-technologies-nationwide-rollout-1362117099